VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

PAY RATE: $71,694.60 - $75,468 PER YEAR

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START

For children aged three to five we offer early education, child development, nutrition, parenting support and preparation for elementary school. All children receive educational experiences that are developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate. The focus is on readiness to move to kindergarten. Literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional development are areas measured for growth and development.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Mental Health Specialist II is responsible for providing a broad spectrum of mental health services, including mental health promotion, harm prevention, early identification of mental health concerns, and referrals for treatment of children and families.

Reporting to and in coordination with the Mental Health Clinical Coordinator, the Mental Health Specialist II shall increase the quality of mental health services by assessing child mental health concerns, determining appropriate mental health care and follow-up, and provide clinical services to children and families with mental health needs in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards. Work in conjunction with program content areas as needed to ensure a holistic approach.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design, operate and maintain a HIPAA - complaint system for identifying each client and his/her identified personal and community supports including, but not limited to the Mental Health Services Provider
• Be knowledgeable of community services and supports including, but not limited to health care, child care, alcohol and substance abuse treatment, education, and/or employment services and self-help groups, and make this information readily available
• Ensure face to face contact with each client at least 2 times per month
• Conduct ongoing assessments/evaluations to monitor progress and provide appropriate interventions as needed, including coordination with the Mental Health Clinical Coordinator
• Coordinate onsite and/or offsite self-help groups and tenant councils that plan social activities for residents
• Provide life skills training which includes, but is not limited to, health education, money management, housekeeping, menu planning, meal preparation, and being a good neighbor

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

EDUCATION:

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling from fully-accredited college or university.
• Registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) or
• Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)studies

EXPERIENCE:

• 1 year of experience working with children and families in a clinical setting

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• 2 years of experience working with children and families in a clinical setting
• Experience working with the homeless population and participants from various backgrounds; particularly people with diagnosed mental health issues
• Creative curriculum
• Skilled with Childplus software
• Bilingual: English and Spanish (oral and written)
• Understanding of population being served and knowledge of culturally responsive evaluation methodology.

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form 1-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.